Under 40 hours - although my specific evidence may not convince beyond a reasonable doubt: 1) I was able to keep up with Jack Dennes last year who finished in 51 hours; 2) I am a few years younger than Jack Dennes; 3) I intend to run more than Jack did last year; 4) I believe I can maintain an average of 15 minute miles; 5) I was comfortable with the heat last year; and 6) anything is possible.

Pacer/Crew at Badwater 2001: Night #2, around 3:00am - Trying to steer Jack Dennes out of the middle of the road and simultaneously convince him that the rocks on the side of the road were not giant toads.

I find that today's society does not present much of a physical challenge. I bank online, drive a car with automatic transmission, my clothes have already been sewn, the washing machine cleans them for me, my food is usually 1) pre-packaged and microwaved, or 2) brought to my table, or 3) delivered to my home; someone else cuts my hair, I drink bottled water, talk to anyone at anytime on my cellular phone, and one day I hope to own an electric toothbrush. In other words, my everyday activities do not demand much physical exertion and I feel that ultras are the perfect way to repent for having an otherwise "easy" life.

I want to bring more recognition to the sport of ultrarunning. It is infuriating that Michael Johnson and Maurice Green get corporate sponsorship and are easily recognized by most of the general population, while very few have ever heard of Marshall Ulrich or Chris Moon. Yet to me, Mr. Ulrich's and Mr. Moon's accomplishments are exceedingly more worthy of respect. I would very much like to change the public's perceptions. It is my hope that running Badwater will help to familiarize more people with the sport and perhaps one day, we too can be admired rather than laughed at and deemed "crazy."